P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-15-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 15, 2014

P.m. news Tuesday 4-15-14

Firefighters from several area companies responded to a fire at 1886 county route 39 in the town of Bainbridge this afternoon.  The fire was reported at around 1:10 PM as a tractor fire, but was later reported as a barn fire.  WCDO will have further details as they become available.

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Governor Cuomo announced the selection of 215 educators from all 10 regions of the state to the list of New York Master Teachers.  Locally, teachers named to the list include Richard Townsend of the Sidney School District, Abigail Costello of the Unatego School District, Cory Raner of the Oneonta School District & Kyle Tibbits of Harpursville School District; these educators join the 104 Master Teachers announced in October 2013, bringing the total number of Master Teachers in New York to 319. The full list is available at suny.edu/masterteacher.

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State Troopers arrested 43-year-old Michael Fahey of Windsor, for Felony Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers responded to Stannard Road to investigate a disturbance in which Fahey is accused of attempting to get into his father’s residence. Fahey struck & severed a utility pole & then fled the scene. Fahey and the vehicle were located in a yard nearby; he was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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Governor Cuomo announced that the State Department of Taxation and Finance’s tax enforcement programs collected $3.9 billion in the past year, helping ensure that taxpayers are protected and tax evaders are held responsible.  The $3.9 billion in evaded taxes collected is $200 million more than the previous year, with $800 million collected to benefit local governments, the remaining amount will be for State programs.

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Health officials say a 2nd wave of flu has struck this spring and is putting more New Yorkers in the hospital now than in January. A different strain of flu is circulating than the one in midwinter, and people who already had the flu can get it again — especially if they didn’t get the vaccine. The state Health Department said there were more than 2,500 confirmed cases of flu statewide last week. The CDC continues to recommend people get flu shots if they haven’t this year.

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State police arrested 25-year-old Maria Amato of Clinton Corners for Driving While Intoxicated.  Amato was charged after crashing her vehicle into a barn on Charlotte Creek Road in the town of Davenport.   Amato registered a BAC of .15, she will answer to the charges on April 22nd in Davenport town court.

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The state DEC is working with the U.S. EPA and the Coast Guard to revise and update its plans for preventing and responding to spills. The process also includes emergency response drills, by federal authorities, and improvements to maps that detail environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands.  The EPA said the work is necessary following a substantial increase in the transport of oil across the state.

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New York’s new budget contains amendments to social services law to keep welfare recipients from spending government money on alcohol, gambling or strippers. The measure prohibits gaming facilities, liquor stores, adult entertainment venues and some other retail outlets from accepting electronic benefit transfers from public assistance recipients. The law already prohibits them from cashing welfare checks. The amendments set a $50 penalty for a first offense at a liquor store or adult venue selling alcohol and possible liquor license suspension for a second offense. For gaming establishments, the first violation carries a fine up to $100, rising to $500 for a second offense and a possible misdemeanor and $1,000 fine for subsequent violations.

 

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-15-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 15, 2014

Several state senators will begin holding public hearings around the state regarding the growing problem of heroin addiction.  State senator John Bonacic will participate in the task force:

 

(Bonacic 4-15-14)

 

Dates for the public meetings will be announced shortly, and data will be compiled quickly, in order to get a report to lawmakers by June 1st.

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Sidney dollars for scholars organizers will hold an event today at the Sidney Library to help students apply online for their awards.  Program president Tracy Young explains:

 

(Tracy Young 4-14-14)

 

The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM tonight at the Sidney Library, the deadline to apply is April 23rd.

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New state legislation is being drafted to require state agencies to comply with the section of the open records law that calls for posting information online. Part of New York’s Freedom of Information Law requires each state agency to maintain indexes of all records maintained by the agency and to post them on the Internet. A study of 86 state agencies found 79 were not in compliance, state Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski chairs the state Assembly’s Administrative Regulations Review Commission, he announced that they are working to introduce legislation to ensure agencies comply.

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Recently members of Sidney Federal Credit Union were contacted through texts and phone calls stating that their Debit or Credit cards had been deactivated.  They were then asked to call or text back with their card numbers to have their cards reactivated.  This is a phishing scam, please do not respond to these calls or texts.  The local authorities have been notified and are investigating.  If you have any concerns or have given any personal information please contact SFCU toll-free at 1-877-642-SFCU.

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Governor Cuomo called for the Commission on Youth, Public Safety, and Justice to give information on the state’s youth criminal records by the end of the year. Cuomo hopes to raise the age in which a teen can be tried as an adult, currently New York is 1 of only 2 states that can charge a 16 year old as an adult.

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The State Education Department announced a statewide framework to better teach English Language Learners in the school system. “The Blueprint for English Language Learners Success” consists of eight guiding principles for administrators, policy makers, and practitioners to prepare ELLs for success beginning in pre-kindergarten. The purpose is to start from an early age and lay the foundation for college and career readiness. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of ELLs enrolled in public schools in New York State.

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CIRQUE DREAMS ROCKS is a non-stop musical acrobatic stage spectacle that will be performed at the Forum in Binghamton tonight & tomorrow night, Tickets are on sale now at The Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or order on-line at ticketmaster.com.  Visit BroadwayInBinghamton.com for more information.

 

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-14-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 14, 2014

Governor Cuomo announced that 10 projects have progressed to the next stage for federal action for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program proposals. 1 of the projects is the Sidney Green Plain Project, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

 

(Andy Matviak 4-14-14)

 

Matviak said that 22 million dollars in federal funds would be used for the river street area plans, another 5 to 6 millions dollars will be used to purchase 73 damaged properties.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 42 year old Christopher Turner of Preston on 2 counts of 1st degree Assault, 1st Degree Burglary, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief & Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Turner is accused of unlawfully entering a residence and assaulting 2 residents, 1 of the victims had an active order of protection against Turner. Turner was found to have used a dangerous instrument during the assault. The unidentified victims were transported to local hospitals to be treated for their injuries; deputies said that there were 4 children in the residence during the incident, which also had active order of protections against Turner. Turner was arraigned in the Town of Preston Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $ 00,000 cash bail and is to reappear in court at a later date.

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Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 47 year old Jeffery Eaves of Earlville on charges of 2nd degree Assault, Aggravated Harassment against a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, DWAI and several moving violations.  Eaves was stopped by a deputy who witnessed a moving violation in Earlville, Eaves  continued driving a short distance to his home, where  exited his truck, and attempted to flee on foot.  Eaves is also accused of assaulting the deputy, he was taken into custody, was arraigned in Earlville Court and was remanded to the corrections in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.  Eaves will reappear at a later date.

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New York Gun Owners have until tomorrow to register their ‘assault rifles’ as part of the New York  SAFE Act.     those with a regulated firearm must register it with the state to keep it legal.  The State has a link from the governor’s homepage, to an interactive questionnaire to tell if a gun should be registered.  State Police remind gun owners that failure to register an assault weapon by the deadline is punishable by  forfeiture of the weapon, If it is “deemed to be unintentional,” a 30-day amnesty period will be extended to register it.

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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Richard Hanna announced that 7 Southern Tier stream gauges would receive long-term funding. The gauges faced a shut-off deadline of October 1st,  due to a lack of federal funding.  The U.S. Geological Survey identified new long-term support for the gauges. Much is due to the fiscal year 2014 Omnibus appropriations bill, along with additional support from the state DEC. The Southern Tier gauges are on the Susquehanna River at Bainbridge, Windsor, Unadilla, Binghamton and Owego.

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The lineup for Rock in the Park 2014 has been set up, featuring Norwich’s Kaitlyn  Jackson, Woodshed Prophets,  Chris Janson  & Daryle Singletary.  The concert will be held on Sunday, August 17th at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, the Park will also feature 40 vendors/crafters, & Food vendors Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, online at  ticketmaster.com,  All proceeds will benefit Chenango County Toys for Tots.

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NYSEG is inspecting wooden transmission and distribution poles for decay and other damage, beginning in NYSEG’s Oneonta Division.   In addition to identifying poles in need of repair or replacement, NYSEG’s contractor will be treating some poles to increase their longevity. The preservatives used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and will be applied under the supervision of licensed applicators. Any poles infested with carpenter ants also may be treated with an approved insecticide.

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-14-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 14, 2014

Governor Cuomo announced that 10 projects have progressed to the next stage for federal action based on a thorough State vetting of their Hazard Mitigation Grant Program proposals. 1 of the projects is the Sidney Green Plain Project, which calls for mitigation areas that are designed to provide flood storage for the Susquehanna River & Weir Creek by creating a series of channels that feed into to larger storage areas, it restores the stabilizing vegetation along the creek, improves floodplain function & lessens potential future damage to the Village core, and protects residents.  The State will support the purchase of 73 substantially damaged properties in the Village of Sidney.

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The body of 20-year-old Brian Lanzo of Endicott has been recovered.  Lanzo jumped off a bridge in Harpursville Saturday, his body was found at about 9:30 Sunday morning in the Susquehanna River between Center Village and Ouaquaga.  The Investigation is continuing.

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New York State of Health reported that 1.2 million New Yorkers have completed their applications and 933,000 have enrolled for coverage since the launch of the Marketplace in October.  The Small Business Marketplace offers small businesses with 50 or fewer employees a range of options; they can access expert advice and enroll at nystateofhealth.ny.gov/employer, or by calling toll-free at 1-855-355-5777, or by contacting an insurance broker.

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Governor Cuomo submitted 483 vetoes, eliminating pages of unnecessary language from the recently enacted State budget. The vetoes include 328 reappropriations where spending has been exhausted, 19 were  duplicates, 4 were vetoed previously, 6 were listed as new appropriations improperly & 6 items were unconstitutional.

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P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-11-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 11, 2014

Governor Cuomo announced the State Liquor Authority has approved advisories to help support the continued growth and development of New York’s Farm based beverage producers.   The SLA Board adopted changes, effective immediately, to eliminate unnecessary paperwork and clarify standards on brand label registrations, authorize the sale of “growlers” for beer and cider, eliminate a $1,000 bond requirement for farm wineries, reduce costs for manufacturers and wholesalers with multiple licenses by allowing them to deliver all their products in one shipment, and provide guidance to the industry concerning the new “roadside farm market law.  More information is available at taste.ny.gov.

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Local counties will receive money from the state in their efforts to rid streets of potholes.  The money is part of the $40 million Governor Cuomo said would be divided among the state’s 64 counties, to clean up roads after one of the harshest New York winters in years. The winter left roads, bridges and more in various states of disrepair, after heavy snow and extreme cold temperatures. Locally, Chenango County will receive $932,000, Delaware County $610,000, and Broome County $640,000. The money can be used for current or future projects.

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Governor Cuomo said the state health commissioner’s resignation has nothing to do with a review of whether New York should move ahead with hydraulic fracturing. When asked about Nirav Shah’s departure to an executive post with the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Cuomo talked about the imbalance between government-sector and private sector salaries. Shah will step down at the end of June.  Shah was tasked with examining potential guidelines for fracking in September 2012, and had repeatedly said a conclusion was weeks away. Since then, Shah has declined to say when his work would be completed.  A final decision on whether to allow shale-gas drilling in New York still awaits the finalization of the health review.

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The special commission appointed last year by Governor  Cuomo to investigate political corruption is winding down. The governor said he appointed the group because lawmakers failed to enact reforms last year and is dismantling it because the legislature has now passed new laws to toughen bribery prosecutions and to establish a new campaign finance policing office. Cuomo established the panel after federal bribery and embezzlement charges were filed against several state lawmakers. The new laws establish felonies of corrupting the government and corrupt use of position or authority.

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New Yorkers are reminded to take precautions to prevent diseases that are transmitted by ticks as springtime weather returns.  Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected deer tick.  Ticks are active when the weather stays above freezing.  The time of greatest concern is in late spring and early summer when the ticks are active.  While this past winter was harsh, the abundant and long lasting snow cover likely provided insulation to allow the ticks to survive.  Deer ticks, carriers of at least four different pathogens, are starting to emerge, and will be present for the next several months across the state.

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A new study shows continued gains in the number of New York children with health insurance, driven mostly by increased converage through public programs.  The Robert Wood Johnson foundation report shows the percentage of childen without insurance dropped from 5.6% in 2008 to 4.3% in 2012.  It shows significant gains among minority children, and children in low income families, as medicaid and children’s health insurance programs offset a decline in the number of children covered through private insurance, from 66.6% in 2008 to 6.5% four years later.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-11-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 11, 2014

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department & DEA Agents arrested 53-year-old John Laing of Unadilla for criminal possession of marijuana and unlawfully growing of cannabis by an unlicensed person.  Laing is accused of having a marijuana growing operation at his residence, investigators confiscated over 10 pounds of marijuana, 95 marijuana plants, 54 cloned marijuana plants, $10,000 in growing equipment, and $3,100 in cash.  Laing was taken to the Otsego County Jail pending court action; 36-year-old Steven Carpenter of Guilford was also arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana.

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About 2 dozen concerns are expected to apply to the state gaming commission, to get one of 4 upstate casinos to be built & operated, to help increase tourism revenue.  State senator John Bonacic comments:

 

(Bonacic 4-11-14)

 

Bonacic said that the 1 resort will be placed in each of the 3 regions, & the 4th license will be picked based on the best proposal.

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The 9th annual Earth Festival will be held at the Milford Central School Saturday at 9:30 AM.  Bird Walks, Gardening workshops  & more 40-area businesses and organizations will participate.   Earth Festival 2014 is sponsored by Otsego County Conservation Association, the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce and Central NY Mobile Marketing; more information is available at 547-4488 or occainfo.org.

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The New York State Fair box office and online outlet will be open Saturday morning to sell tickets to the Tuesday, August 26 concert by Train & the Wallflowers at the State fair Grandstand. Ticket sales begin at 9:00 a.m. both at the box office, or at etix.com, or by phone at 1 (800) 514-3849, option 1.

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The 5th Annual Norwich Tea Party rally will be held tomorrow in downtown Norwich.  Coordinator Gilda Ward said that several speakers would participate:

 

(Gilda Ward 4-11-14)

 

The event will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in East Side Park in downtown Norwich, live music & refreshments will also be part of the event.

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P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-10-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 10, 2014

35-year-old Mark Alimar of Guilford was indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury for the 2nd time in recent months, the latest charge was for intimidating a witness.  Alimar was indicted in February for robbery, burglary and unlawful imprisonment, in connection with a December 31st incident where he was accused of forcibly entering a home, stealing a cell phone and pointing a gun at the victim.

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Delhi Village Police arrested 27-year-old Megan Walters for allegedly having numerous unanswered traffic tickets & a suspended drivers license.  Walters was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and speeding, she was arraigned  & was sent to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 bail.

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Governor Cuomo today announced $40 million in State funding to help local governments make necessary repairs to highways and bridges following this year’s exceptionally harsh winter. This funding was passed in the 2014-15 Enacted Budget, is a special one-time allocation to compliment the $438 million in existing State support for local transportation infrastructure. All counties, cities, towns and villages will receive capital assistance through the program.

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Congressman Chris Gibson announced that his campaign is submitting 11,000 individual petition signatures today to the New York State Board of Elections for his re-election.  The signatures will enable Gibson to qualify for the Republican, Conservative, and Independence Party’s ballot lines, if the Board finds that the correct number of signatures is valid.  Gibson will likely face democrat Sean Eldridge, who announced earlier this week that he has enough signatures to run as the Democratic candidate for the 19th congressional district.

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The United States Department of Agriculture has announced sign-ups for its farmer and rancher disaster assistance programs, which have been reinstated as part of the recently passed Farm Bill. USDA officials stated that implementation of disaster relief programs have been a priority to ensure there is a safety net for farmers affected by natural disasters, more information is available at usda.gov

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New York state Storm Recovery Housing Programs Will end on Friday, all residents with homes in the 100-YEAr Flood Plain should be aware of the programs which can buy out homes regardless of the level of damage.   The programs Can help pay for repairs, rehabilitation, or elevation that may have already been completed, or are still needed.  Homeowners must apply by tomorrow at 1-855-697-7263 or stormrecovery.ny.gov.

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The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney until 6:00 PM tonight.  All donors in April can enter to win a $250 gift card to use toward a rainy day getaway.  Appointments for future blood drives can be made at 1-800-Red Cross, walk-ins are also welcome.

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The state Department of Taxation and Finance incurred more than $6 million in overtime costs last year when it had massive delays in processing tax returns filed on paper. The department struggled to meet the demand of paper tax returns after it hired a third-party vendor to handle the work, an audit by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office found 90% of returns were late and 22% had serious errors. The tax department solved the problem, but not before incurring overtime costs and struggling to get returns finished promptly.  The audit comes as 2013 tax returns are due Tuesday.

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-10-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 10, 2014

“Take Back Chenango” will hold a meeting at the Bainbridge Town Hall at 7:00 PM this evening.  Bainbridge Town Council Member Jennifer Sienko explains:

 

(Jennifer Sienko 4-10-14)

 

Chenango County District Attorney Joe McBride and Sheriff Ernest Cutting & local officials will be on hand this evening, Bainbridge residents are encouraged to attend.

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State police will start a 6-day crackdown on people texting and using hand held cell phones while driving.  “Operation hang Up” runs through Tuesday of next week, drivers who get caught could pay fins of $50 to $150 for the 1st offense stiffer penalties will take effect on November 1st for newer drivers.

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BCC and the state Labor Department are hosting a spring job fair today.  The event will be held at the BCC Ice Center from 10:00 AM to 2:00PM, more than 50 employers from the southern tier & central New York will participate.

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An attempt to repeal the New York SAFE Act didn’t make it out of an Assembly Committee this week, as Republican Lawmakers & Gun Rights activists have been pushing for the repeal, since the law was passed last year.  The Safe Act was passed in January 2013 shortly after the Newtown Connecticut School Shooting; the Assembly Codes committee also rejected an attempt to change the Opt-Out provision in the law.

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